Miracle needed to save Oban Men's Shed

After a four-year futile search  for a new home since being evicted by the Salvation Army in Stevenson Street, it looks as though it is time "to quit living in cloud cuckoo land’ and give up hope, says John McAllister from the charity.

Two of those years were spent negotiating for use of another premises in the town centre, but in the end talks "fell away" without ever getting anything in writing  said Mr McAllister.

"Only a miracle can save us now. We are still hoping for one but if nothing turns up by September 30 we have decided that we will have to officially close. We can’t go on living in cloud cuckoo land. We’ve done the best we can," he said.

If the Men’s Shed shuts, thousands of pounds worth of equipment from power tools, saws and drills, will have to be sold off and proceeds distributed to other local causes - adhering to the group’s constitution.

The Men’s Shed had also looked at renting a metal container to use as a workshop and meeting space on one of the town’s industrial parks but it would cost £5,000 a year.

"We are a group not a business. We wouldn’t want the pressure of having to earn money to exist but we are very aware, and have concerns, that our decision to officially close the group comes within just a month or so of the devastating news that Argyll Wellbeing Hub is also shutting come December. This is a huge loss for Oban and the loss of two wellbeing groups in the town could hit some people hard we fear," added Mr McAllister.

"We’ve had all sorts of people come to our group. Those who want to make things and those who just want to sit and chat or do both. Retired men, people unable to work, those with illnesses or things on their minds. Women are good at going out for coffee and chatting but men will just sit and stare at the TV by themselves," he said.

The Men’s Shed has temporarily used a member’s own shed as a workspace to restore a 90-year-old boat made on Easdale by the MacQueens. Last week Mr McAllister and his fellow boat restorer Colin Turtle took the 15ft long MaryJane to officially launch her off Ganavan. Direct descendants of MacQueen boatbuilders, Graham MacQueen and his family went along to join in the ceremony that was watched by a crowd of about 25 people.

Mr MacQueen said it was a ’privilige’ to row the boat which fared better than any of its modern-day versions would. "Mary Jane sliced through the water perfectly, you could go far in her. Compared to her, rowing a modern-day equivalent would be like trying to row a plastic tupperware box."

If the Men’s Shed disbands, the boat will also have to find a new owner and home in return for a donation which will go into the pot of any club proceeds to be shared out with other charities and groups in need of funds.